Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Recorded Near California's Shore, No Imminent Tsunami Warning

An earthquake of a magnitude of 6.2 has been detected off the coast of Eureka, California.

US-ENVIRONMENT-PACIFIC OCEAN — Kelp (algae) can be seen in the waters of Monterey Bay, California, September 20, 2018. - Kelp grows from the rocky seabed to the ocean surface and supports the life of fish, sea otters, snails, sea urchins, crabs, and many other creatures. Photo credit: EVA HAMBACH/AFP via Getty Images

The offshore nor Cal earthquake today was in another zone with lots of quakes. At mag 6.2 it was big enough to shake folks up, but not very rare. Here's a USGS map of all mag 4.5+ there since 1990 (orange dot is today's). This is 5th largest in 32 years there. pic.twitter.com/T0233idcvR
— Harold Tobin (@Harold_Tobin) December 20, 2021

The earthquake hit at a depth of 5.8 miles at 12:10 p.m. local time, and the National Weather Service verified that no tsunami was predicted as a result of the event.

"The key message that we have been putting out is that there will be no tsunami," Alex Dodd, a lead meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency in Eureka, told Fox26 News.

"The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, maintains a careful check on these things all the time, and they got the word out straight fast that this isn't a tsunami-generating earthquake, so there's no need for fear."

Minor Landslides

A few small landslides occurred due to the shaking, and several families reported minor damage, primarily due to fallen debris, he added. "Thankfully, that was the extent of it," Mr. Dodd added.

Not Done Yet

Bay Area Experiences Record Temperatures In First Heat Wave Of The Year — ALAMEDA, CA - MAY 14: A sunbather sits on the beach at Alameda Beach on May 14, 2014 in Alameda, California. The San Francisco Bay Area continues to experience record breaking temperatures with highs in the low 100s in the inland areas and 90s at the coast. The heat wave throughout the Bay Area will taper off on Thursday. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

However, the quake is not yet done. On Monday, the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services stated, "Numerous minor aftershocks are being observed." The earthquake was felt in coastal villages in the vicinity, including Ferndale, where the food at the Valley Grocery store wobbled off the shelves. "Valley Grocery minutes after the earthquake," claimed local journalist Caroline Titus, who shared a photo of the devastation on Twitter.

According to the owner, eleven people stepped up to assist with cleanup. "The store is now open again." Geologists also felt the earthquake at the California Geological Survey in San Francisco, about 300 miles to the south.

A M6.2 #earthquake has occurred offshore northern California 24 miles west of Petrolia. Moderate to strong shaking was recorded by the seismic network along the coast. The earthquake was felt in San Francisco by this CGS geologist! We are continuing to monitor this region. (TD) pic.twitter.com/gusr50IKJB
— California Geological Survey (@CAGeoSurvey) December 20, 2021

Powerful Seismic Activities

6.4 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Southern California — RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: A local resident inspects a fissure in the earth after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the area on July 4, 2019 near Ridgecrest, California. The earthquake was the largest to strike Southern California in 20 years with the epicenter located in a remote area of the Mojave Desert. The temblor was felt by residents across much of Southern California. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Experts noticed that the quake wasn't exceptionally powerful or specific to a seismically active region.

"Today's offshore nor Cal earthquake occurred in another zone with plenty of quakes," University of Washington professor Harold Tobin remarked on Twitter on Monday, presenting a chart showing several such incidents off the coast during the previous three decades.

"At [magnitude] 6.2, it was large enough to cause concern, but not uncommon." Here's a USGS chart of all [magnitude] 4.5+ earthquakes that have occurred there since 1990 (the orange dot represents today's). This is the fifth biggest in 32 years."

Public Information

Valley Grocery moments after quake. Owner said ten volunteers showed up and helped cleanup. Store now back open. #ferndaleca #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/6rNCoTrMG2
— Caroline Titus (@caroline95536) December 20, 2021

The US Geological Survey urges earthquake survivors to voluntarily share information on where and how they felt the tremor on the agency's website.

Also Read : What Exactly Causes Mysterious Deep Earthquakes?

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Tags Earthquake , Seismic activity , California